Auburn GIANTS to play MCG curtain raiser
By Isabelle O’Brien
Sydney AFL’s women’s team, the Auburn GIANTS will take to the MCG in a curtain raiser match for the GWS GIANTS and Collingwood clash this Sunday, the 14th June in a fairy tale story that has charmed AFL fans across the Harbour.
The historic match, achieved with the help of sponsor Harvey Norman and the GWS GIANTS will see the ground-breaking team be the first Muslim women’s team to play in front of an AFL crowd at the MCG.
The club started out in 2011 as the Auburn Tigers but adopted the name and colours of the GWS GIANTS in early 2014, and soon received support from CEO of Harvey Norman Katie Page after being approached by club founder, Amna Karra-Hassan.
“We want to work with people who have the same mindset as us – community, grassroots, inclusion, bringing women through,” Ms Page told the Daily Telegraph.
Harvey Norman’s partnership with the GWS GIANTS has helped achieve the amazing opportunity for the Auburn GIANTS, which will be the first time many of the girls in the team have ever been to Melbourne.
Auburn GIANTS founder, Amna Karra-Hassan is thrilled at the opportunity her team has been given.
“To have the opportunity to play at the MCG, even if it is a curtain raiser, is something most people would dream of,” Karra-Hassan said.
“For a Sydney girl who didn’t grow up with a love of the game, but has a love of the game now, I’m blown away.”
GWS GIANTS CEO Tony Shepherd shares the Auburn GIANTS excitement.
“This team continues to break down barriers and we are proud to have them as a part of the GIANTS,” Shepherd said.
“We believe this is an important story to tell nationally. One of the great strengths of our game is it is open to everyone regardless of their background and the Auburn GIANTS embody that.”
The Auburn GIANTS will play on Sunday, the 14th June before the GWS GIANTS and Collingwood clash
The Auburn GIANTS pose for a team photo this year.
